In a sobering and stark address to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), senior Labour MP Luke Pollard has delivered a grave warning about the state of Britain's national defence. The Shadow Armed Forces Minister asserted that the UK's military has been cut 'too far' and would be critically ill-prepared to repel a large-scale attack from a hostile state like Russia.
Mr Pollard, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, emphasised that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has exposed the severe consequences of sustained underinvestment in the armed forces. He argued that the UK's current military capacity is insufficient for the scale of threats posed in the new era of global instability.
A Call for Urgent Reassessment and Investment
The Labour frontbencher did not merely critique the current state of affairs but laid out a clear demand for the government. He called for an immediate, fundamental reassessment of the nation's defence strategy, stressing that the 'wake-up call' provided by the war in Europe must be heeded without delay.
'Our armed forces have been cut too far', Pollard stated unequivocally. His central argument was that a nation with global responsibilities and aspirations cannot fulfil its duties or protect its citizens with a diminished military. The speech highlighted a growing concern amongst defence experts about the hollowing out of Britain's conventional warfare capabilities.
The Human and Industrial Element of Defence
Going beyond mere numbers of ships and troops, Pollard underscored the vital importance of the UK's defence industrial base. He pointed out that a robust military is not just about personnel but also about the domestic capacity to manufacture ammunition, equipment, and ships.
This capability, he warned, is essential for sustaining any prolonged conflict and ensuring national security sovereignty. The speech served as a powerful intervention in the critical debate surrounding the UK's defence readiness and its strategic position in a increasingly volatile world.
